While visiting the nation’s capital there are a few “must-dos” – like strolling by the White House, posing at the Lincoln Memorial and taking in serious knowledge at the Smithsonian’s. In that vein, certain bars -like the Round Robin Bar– though iconic are not where the locals go for their fix. Expedia.com reached out to Girl Meets Food to help travelers really Drink Like A Local during their visit. A huge thanks to them for helping us put this article together.
Copycat Co. looks like a tasty take-out dumpling spot to hit up after a few libations, but don’t be fooled, this H-street newb is a one-stop shop for craft cocktails and handmade dumplings. The second floor is a hidden cocktail den with Barmini-alum, Devin Gong at the helm. Copycat Co is a perfect place for cocktail virgins and experimenters alike, with menus explaining how each type of cocktail is created. Kick off the night with an Applejack Old-Fashioned or a Poet’s Dream and close the night with bao buns and dumplings. Per-fection.
In Adam’s Morgan, check on the not-so-secret Dram & Grain tucked below the neighborhood favorite, Jack Rose Dining Saloon. You’ll immediately feel in-the-know when you’re handed a glass complimentary welcome punch. D&G is a reservations only space with three seatings on Friday and Saturday nights only. Need to know – seatings last 2 hours and there is a two drink minimum.
Flash back to the 1920s in Penn Quarter’s, Denson Liquor Bar, an underground art-deco space with a classic menu that includes a Negroni, Sazerac, Aviation, and Hemingway daiquiri, among others. Guests can pair their classic cocktail with classic snacks including spiced bar nuts or cheese and charcuterie platters, or explore the more unique dishes like a Cubano panini or curried-chicken pot pie.
The hand drawn menus are reason enough to check out 2 Birds, 1 Stone in the U Street Corridor. Lucky for us, the cocktails are equally as creative and delicious as the drink-inspired doodles. Adam Bernbach, the brains behind the operation, created an approachable yet ever-changing menu and an informal space where the cocktails and cool-kid vibe can shine through. Stop in before dining at sister restaurant Doi Moi or at the end of a crawl down U Street – 2 Birds will satisfy the amateur and aficionado, alike.
Had a battle of a day? Retreat to civil-war general approved, McClellan’s Retreat at the edge of Dupont Circle. With over 50 types of whiskey, McClellan’s is the place to snag a classic Manhattan or Sazerac. Perfect space to cozy up to that cute Tindr match.
Shaina is a double doodle-mom, travel-junkie, and one half of a couple that is the greatest food trend you’ve never heard of–Indian-Italian fusion (think butter chicken pizza!). During the week, she spends her early mornings hitting the pavement (or treadmill) and evenings perfecting the art of meal prepping. Shaina has been with GMF since 2013 and spends her weekends outdoors with the pups, checking out the latest and greatest restaurants in the DMV, or cuddled up on the couch with a glass of wine and the latest bingeworthy show.